Artist: BEZEL 
Album: Distant Lights 
Reviewed by Jason Randall Smith 
Bezel (think “embezzle” if you’re unsure of the pronunciation) steps forth with the confidence of Kanye West and the determination of Drake on his debut album Distant Lights. Released independently on In-Flight Records, it presents rap music adorned with the sensibilities of R&B, softening the edges of a tough guy swagger to reveal the heart of a lover man. While the opening cut “Look Into My Eyes” gives the impression of a brother sizing up his competition at first glance, its verbal posturing makes up a small percentage of the album’s content. The majority of Distant Lights is far more concerned with sensual atmospheres and sexual conquests, with a few party cuts in between. String plucks introduce “Five Dollars” over a minimal beat and thoughts of maximum dividends, featuring Bezel and guest rapper Phoenix living the life and spending the cash. The party rolls up into the club on “Hen And Kush” with sparse yet luxurious production that includes acidic keyboard riffs and a wailing guitar in the distance. Vocalist James Gregory handles the hook with unquestionable cool, which is hard to do when singing about the Hennessy in your Styrofoam cup and the Cigar that you’re about to smoke. However, even the superficial can be interesting when the lyrics are on point. “Get Out My Bizzness” is a prime example of that as Bezel, Kraze, and Joe The Butcher send out a message to those addicted to drama. Their irritation with busybodies fits well over a Latin-flavored track complete with Spanish guitar. The seductive bump of “Let’s Get A Room” reveals Bezel’s naughty side as bedroom maneuvers are given in detail. A repetitive bass line caresses the beat and freefalling effects add extra spice to the mix, making this song one of the strongest selections on the album. Things go south emotionally on “I’m Sorry I,” a slow jam with a poignant arrangement and James Gregory’s heartfelt harmonies. Bezel’s rhymes paint a picture of a relationship deteriorating before his eyes, earnestly singing the end of certain lines through Auto-Tune. The effect isn’t abused on this song and actually helps contribute to his vocal performance, which is perhaps the most convincing one of them all. While “Get Out My Bizzness” focuses on Bezel’s ire for gossip seekers, it’s not as if he turns away drama when it comes walking his way. Consider “U Got To Go,” a warning to his one-night stand to make herself scarce before his wife gets home. The tension is built through orchestral swells while freeze-dried rim shots keep the tempo. The curiously titled “True Lies” seems to pick up where “Let’s Get A Room” left off, recalling a steamy play-by-play of what goes on behind closed doors. The subtleties of the production (light on the percussion but abundant on nature sounds) will instantly win over the listener’s ears. Switching up the mood towards the end of the album, Bezel elbows his way past the jealousy on “U Hate’N,” lyrically riding the hard knock of the drum pads as his anger builds to a crescendo. For a debut release, Distant Lights is a decent effort from an entertainer that clearly knows his lane. While there is an effort on his part to offer a diverse range of material, his brand of R&B heavy rap works for him and the more seductive the stories, the better the results. If there are slow jams in need of a remix and the prerequisite 16 bars, he’s the man that artists should call on before anyone else. 
Reviewed by Jason Randall Smith
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)